Action-Adjusting Functions of Self-Talk in Situations with Physical Pain: A Qualitative Analysis in Marathon Running

Authors

  • Jens Kleinert Deutsche Sporthochschule Köln

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17169/fqs-4.1.749

Keywords:

self-talk, pain management, action regulation, sport

Abstract

Introduction: In the present study we examined the functions of self-talk in the regulation of coping with physical pain. The conceptual background of the study is action-oriented, which means that coping behavior is postulated as an intentional process and is divided into three phases (anticipation, realization, interpretation). In each of these phases self-talks have typical regulation functions (e.g., as information processing, problem solving, or the regulation of motivational and emotional states). Methods: We carried out problem-centered interviews with 30 male marathon runners concerning situations in which they had experienced and managed pain to detect functions of self-talk during the pain management process. We used content analyses to find typical categories and functions of self-talk. Results: In regard to content we found two types of self-talk. One type of self-talk focuses on the pain and the pain management (pain-oriented self-talk) whereas the other type emphasizes the hierarchically overlying action, which in our case means the marathon (task-oriented self-talk). Furthermore we found several functions of self-talks in different phases of the pain management process: Analysis of pain and situation, detachment, reappraisal, enhancement of self-efficacy, action instruction, activation of volition, correction of action, regulation of psychophysiological tension. Conclusion: Self-talks represent several typical regulative functions in the pain management process. Especially task-oriented self-talks seem to be important in coping with pain. These self-talks help the person to detach by focusing on the main aims. Furthermore task-oriented self-talks help to detect causes of pain, they help to put pain into perspective and they help to protect task-oriented intentions against pain-oriented frustration. URN: urn:nbn:de:0114-fqs030176

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Author Biography

Jens Kleinert, Deutsche Sporthochschule Köln

Dr. Jens KLEINERT (geb. 1964): Diplomsportstudium an der Deutschen Sporthochschule Köln mit Abschluss 1991. Studium der Humanmedizin an der Universität zu Köln. 2000 Approbation zum Arzt und Promotion in Humanmedizin. Im Januar 2003 Habilitation in Sportwissenschaft unter besonderer Berücksichtigung von Sportpsychologie und Gesundheitsforschung. Langjährige Aktivenzeit und Trainertätigkeit im Schwimmsport, Segeln und Hallenhandball. Seit 1991 als Diplomsportlehrer am Psychologischen Institut der Deutschen Sporthochschule tätig. Hier seit Ende 1996 wissenschaftlicher Assistent, seit 2003 Hochschuldozent mit den Forschungsschwerpunkten Schmerzen im Sport, psychologische Unfall- und Verletzungsprävention sowie Befindlichkeitsanalytik.

Published

2003-01-31

How to Cite

Kleinert, J. (2003). Action-Adjusting Functions of Self-Talk in Situations with Physical Pain: A Qualitative Analysis in Marathon Running. Forum Qualitative Sozialforschung Forum: Qualitative Social Research, 4(1). https://doi.org/10.17169/fqs-4.1.749